Some of the most common *things* we see in the online birth community may actually need to be readvised by each mamas intuition to decipher with discernment whether it is an evidence based practice and protocol best for her unique body & baby
Such as, sitting reclined on the bottom of a birth tub during active labor/transition/pushing which may contribute to complication. Or how the buoyancy of a full tub, may play a role in early labor obstacles.
INLET SUPPORT
If your baby is still up in the greater pelvis, the buoyancy of the water may prolong labor by preventing gravities support of your babies fetal rotation & navigation down through your pelvis
Increases risk of:
*Prolonged labor
*Fetal Malpositioning
*Disengagement
*Maternal exhaustion
*Fetal Distress
Tips for Early labor/Inlet Support
*Shallow tub water
*Hot towels
*Shower
*Inlet opening positions
Maternal Positions in the tub for early labor:
*Reclining
*Hands & Knees
*Hip extensions
*Pelvic Tilts
The mothers maternal positioning influences the pelvic inlet & outlet to either open or close.
Many birth stories/videos and images normalize the birthing mother sitting reclined in the tub, cocyx compressed while birthing their baby. By understanding physiological birth we recognize this may be playing a role in some traumatic circumstances.
OUTLET SUPPORT
Sitting reclined in active labor/transition/pushing is comparable to the supine position, compressing the cocyx bone, preventing baby from completing their fetal cardinal movements in order to rotate, extend and properly navigate through the pelvis
Increases risk of:
*Shoulder dystocia
*Prolonged labor
*Tearing
*Fetal entrapment
*Fetal distress
TIPS:
*Utilizing outlet opening positions in the fully filled tub during active labor/transition/pushing is shown to be most efficient
Best Maternal labor/birth positions:
•Hands & knees
•Squatting
•Kneeling feet apart knees together
•Sitting upright/kneeling
•Rest to runners start
•Leaning forward over the tub/support person
•Sway/Thrust/Extend
•What feels right intuitively
